281 
Upon the heights charming views open to the Manukau Gulf 
and as far as the volcanic cones on the Isthmus of Auckland. In 
the valley there are fresh brooks, which, as they plunge headlong 
over columnar rocks of basalt, form cascades bordered most beauti- 
fully with the richest vegetation of New Zealand ferns. And whoever 
happens to be as lucky as we, will bo accompanied thr.o’ woods 
and fields by pretty young maidens, the choicest flowers of Mauku, 
mounted on their fleet steeds; and when he takes leave, a blue- 
gumtree will be planted for him in remembrance of the days and 
hours spent in idyllic bliss and merriment. 
From Mauku a speedy, but rather fatiguing ride across uni- 
form fern-land brought us on January 28. to Drury, and thence 
we returned by the Great South Road to Auckland. 
